The Eastern South Regional Police Command has arrested 38 suspected illegal miners during an intelligence-led operation at Ntoranang on the outskirts of New Abirem.
The operation, which took place on Friday, February 27, 2026, between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm, targeted individuals allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities in a palm plantation in the area.
According to the police, 17 of the suspects are Burkinabe nationals, while 21 are Ghanaians. Nine of those arrested are juveniles aged between 13 and 17 years.
Police say items retrieved at the site, including water pumping machines, power plants, water hoses and makeshift shelters, were destroyed.
All 38 suspects are currently in custody, assisting with investigations and are expected to be arraigned before the court on Monday, March 2, 2026, for prosecution.
